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3 R's Should Include Identity Protection Online

August 19, 2004
Now that it's back-to-school time, parents are busy getting their children ready for a new academic year. In addition to making sure they have all the supplies they need, California consumer authorities say parents shouldn't send their kids off to school without a frank discussion of the financial dangers of the Internet.

Yes, financial dangers. The California Department of Consumer Affairs says a growing number of identity theft cases stem from children divulging too much personal financial information online.

"Many kids are Internet-savvy, but they may not know the importance of safeguarding private information, said Charlotte Zettel, director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Joan McNabb, chief of the Office of Privacy Protection, says state and federal laws require Web sites that collect personal information from kids to post privacy policies and get parental permission.

"Your child may be exposing you to identity theft by giving out your family's personal information. Let kids know your permission is required," McNabb said. "Giving personal information to the wrong person online could be dangerous. Identity theft is just one of the risks," she added.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs has published a fact sheet called "Protecting Your Child's Privacy," which is available to California residents. Other states may have similar publications.

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July 5 2008

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